I read the other forum concerning this and it turned into a mob of audiophiles arguing with each other. I would like to know 1)if anyone has pics of the OEM amp, 2)knowing that the amp's input and output are only +/- wires, are there 8 speaker wires to the amp and out of the amp? 3) verification that I could install the output wires from the original amp into the aftermarket amp. Any input is much appreciated. I am also thinking about swapping speakers out... never messed with tweeters before though...

 

one more thing... anyone know the RMS power from the OEM amp and the RMS power of the OEM drivers?

 

I have the picture of the OEM amp that is in the factory manual. It's a fairly small unit considering its rated at 225 amps, so you know it's not great. I have not been able to find any specs on it, but logically I figure its rated at 25 amps for front 2 channels, rear 2 channels and center with 100 for the sub. If you want to look at the amp, it's located behind the foot kick panel on the passenger side and is easy to get to by popping off the sill trim and foot panel with an appropriate trim tool. There are 6 channels (LF, RF, RR, LR, Center and Sub) so there are 12 +/- wires from the audio unit to the amp. Yes, you can splice into the wiring from the audio unit to the factory amp and run all or some of the channels to aftermarket amps. I haven't checked to see if a two wire to RCA adaptor is available. Most I have seen also covert an amplified signal down to pre-amp, which would not be needed in this case. If anyone has seen a +/- 2 wire to RCA cable adaptor, please let me know the brand name.

 

I'm sure you meant 25 watts, not amps, but I still much appreciate your detailed description. Now I just need to locate some trim tools... would an autozone have that? I was thinking 5-channel amp, but now from your description I might go for a 4-channel and a 2 channel amp. Is it just friction clips that are holding the door panels in? I've heard somewhere in the forums that they do have converters for +/- to RCA converters... someone please back me up with this.

 

KD Tools, KTC Tools and Snap-On carry the trim tools. Sorry about the amp/watt slip. The panels are held in by plastic push in clips. I am considering using a 5 channel amp an leaving the center channel through the stock amp. Let me know if you add any amps.

 

Although I would suggest you get the trim tools for other panels, the right kick panel can be easily removed by gently pulling it from the bottom. There are only 3 connection points with one white plastic clip. Just make sure the white clip comes out with the panel. If not, remove carefully and place in the panel before replacing.

 

Just a thought... Instead of splicing the wires, wouldn't it be possible (and reversible) to slip the pins from the input side out of the plastic holder and fashion your own wire-to-RCA converter using off the shelf ends to mate with the factory pins and a couple of RCA cables? I may not have explained this well but I am planning to do just this to add a subwoofer amp. Now, all I need to know are the wire codes on the input connector for the subwoofer.....

 

That would be preferable, it's just that most people don't know how to disconnect the pins from the plastic connector and don't do a good job of insulating the group of naked pins from each other. Anybody can snip a wire. It would be nice if one of the aftermarket companies would make an adaptor that simply plugs into the fractory connector. I guess there aren't enough TLs on the road to justify that.